Louvered Roof Assembly

ABSTRACT

A louvered roofing assembly comprising at least one louver, which at least one louver includes a notch end and a sealing end. The at least one louver is movable between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position, the notch end of said at least one louver releasably engages the sealing end of an adjacent at least one louver to retard the passage of liquid and solid matter from an upper surface of the at least one louver to at or below a lower surface of the at least one louver. The notch end of a louver may include a “J” shape configured to accept in releasable engagement a sealing end of an adjoining at least one louver. The sealing end of the at least one louver may include a fin configured to releasably engage the notch end of the at least one louver.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a louvered roofing system, andspecifically, to a louvered roof assembly wherein the slats may berotated about a central axis.

BACKGROUND

Louvered roof assemblies are a popular roofing option, particularly foroutdoor structures. These assemblies typically include a series oflouvers arranged closely in parallel. The louvers typically can beadjusted to form a closed roof or opened to provide gaps between thelouvers and thereby provide sun exposure below. The adjustable nature ofthese louvered roof assemblies provides versatility to adapt to changingweather conditions. Many louvered roof assemblies do not provide anadequate seal against liquid incursion, such that users and items underthe louvered roof assembly are at risk of getting wet in certain weatherconditions, even when the louvered roof assembly is closed. Also,existing louvered roof assemblies do not provide protection against thedumping of water into the space below when the assemblies are adjustedfrom a closed position to an open position.

SUMMARY

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute aportion of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the inventionand, together with the detailed description, serve to further explainthe invention. In the various figures, which are not necessarily drawnto scale, are various embodiments. Numerals are used throughout thefigures to identify components. A number of embodiments are illustratedherein; however, it should be understood, that the invention is notlimited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. For afuller understanding of the nature and advantages of the invention,reference should be made to the detailed description in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings.

A louvered roofing system is disclosed, comprising at least one louver,said at least one louver comprising a notched end comprising a notchmember, a sealing end comprising a sealing member, an upper surfaceextending between the notched end and the sealing end, a lower surfaceextending between the notched end and the sealing end, and wherein thenotch member of at least one louver is configured to releasably engagethe sealing member of an adjacent louver in a sealing arrangement.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a roofing louver with a gasket in anotch, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a roofing louver embodiment with nogasket in a notch.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a pair of louvers according to theembodiment of FIG. 1, in the closed position.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an end cap attached to a louver with agasket present in a notch, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an end cap attached to a louver with nogasket present in a notch, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 6 is close-up view of a cross-section of two louvers in a closedposition, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a close-up view of a cross-section of two louvers in a closedposition, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a roof louver assembly including aseries of louvers with end caps in a closed position in a frame,according to an embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the roof louver assembly of FIG. 8 inthe open position, according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description provides detail of various embodiments of theinvention, one or more examples of which are set forth below. Each ofthese embodiments is provided by way of explanation of the invention andis not intended to limit the invention. Further, those skilled in theart will appreciate that various modifications and variations may bemade in the present invention without departing from the scope or spiritof the invention. By way of example, those skilled in the art willrecognize that features illustrated or described as part of oneembodiment, may be used in another embodiment to yield a still furtherembodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention also coverssuch modifications and variations that come within the scope of theappended claims and their equivalents.

Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a louver 102 having a sealingend 110 and a notch end 112. The louver 102 may be constructed of vinyl,aluminum, wood, plastic or any other suitable material; it will beappreciated by those skilled in the art that the louver 102 can beformed in a single piece, although the manner in which the louver 102 isformed is not critical.

In an embodiment, the sealing end 110 of the louver 102 includes asealing member 114. In an embodiment, the sealing member 114 extendsfrom the sealing end 110. In an embodiment, the sealing member 114comprises an upper end 113 and a lower end 111. In an embodiment, theupper end 113 of the sealing member 114 comprises a fin. In anembodiment, the upper end 113 of the sealing member 114 comprises ablunt end. In an embodiment, the upper end 113 of the sealing member 114comprises a rounded end. In an embodiment, the upper end 113 of thesealing member 114 comprises a pointed end. In an embodiment, a gasket(not shown) is included on the upper end 113 of the sealing member 114.In an embodiment, the louver 102 does not include a gasket.

In an embodiment, the sealing member 114 is oriented at angle A relativeto a horizontal plane 117 of the louver 102. In an embodiment, the angleA is an acute angle relative to the horizontal plane 117 of the louver102. In another embodiment, the angle A is an obtuse angle relative tothe horizontal plane 117 of the louver 102. The angle A is, in anotherembodiment, a right angle relative to the horizontal plane 117 of thelouver 102. In an embodiment, the angle A is between 45 and 90 degreesrelative to the horizontal plane 117 of the louver 102. In anembodiment, the angle A is between 90 and 135 degrees relative to thehorizontal plane. In an embodiment, the sealing member's 114 orientationrelative to the horizontal plane 117 of the louver 102 creates a firstchannel 115 between the sealing member 114 and a top surface 120 of thelouver 102. In an embodiment, the notch member 116 orientation relativeto the horizontal plane 117 of the louver 102 creates a second channel123 between the notch member 116 and the top surface 120 of the louver102. In an embodiment, the second channel 123 prevents passage of liquidfrom the top surface 120 of the louver 102 to or beyond a lower surface122 of the louver 102.

In an embodiment, the notch end 112 of the louver 102 includes a notchmember 116. In an embodiment, the notch member 116 extends from thenotch end 112. In an embodiment, the notch member 116 has an upper end121 and a lower end 119. In an embodiment, the upper end 121 of thenotch member 116 comprises a J shape. In an embodiment, the upper end121 of the notch member 116 comprises a semi-circle. In an embodiment,the upper end 121 of the notch member 116 comprises an angled or pointedend. In an embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a gasket 118 is included on theupper end 121 of the notch member 116. In an embodiment shown in FIG. 2,no gasket is included on the louver 102. Those of ordinary skill willrecognize that the gasket 118 may be formed of any suitable sealingmaterial, including but not limited to rubber, plastic, and adhesive.The gasket 118 may be of any shape and configuration suitable to form asealing arrangement between the sealing member 114 and the notch member116.

In an embodiment, the notch member 116 is oriented at angle B relativeto the horizontal plane 117 of the louver 102. In an embodiment, theangle B is an acute angle relative to the horizontal plane 117 of thelouver 102. In another embodiment, the angle B is an obtuse anglerelative to the horizontal plane 117 of the louver 102. The angle B is,in another embodiment, a right angle relative to the horizontal plane117 of the louver 102. In an embodiment, the angle B is between 45 and90 degrees relative to the horizontal plane 117 of the louver 102. In anembodiment, the angle B is between 90 and 135 degrees relative to thehorizontal plane.

According to an embodiment, the sealing member 114 and the notch member116 are substantially parallel to one another. In an embodiment, boththe sealing member 114 and the notch member 116 extend upwardly, awayfrom the lower surface 122 of the louver 102. In another embodiment,both the sealing member 114 and the notch member 116 extend downwardly,away from the lower surface 122 of the louver 102.

In an embodiment, a center portion 125 of the top surface 120 is raised.In an embodiment, the top surface 120 of the louver 102 is convex in thecenter portion 125. In another embodiment, the top surface 120 of thelouver 102 is angled to form a point (not shown). In an embodiment, thetop surface 120 of the louver 102 is rectangular. In another embodiment,the top surface 120 of the louver 102 is relatively planar.

In an embodiment, the lower surface 122 of the louver 102 is flat. Inanother embodiment, the lower surface 122 contains at least one groove126. In another embodiment, the lower surface 122 contains a pluralityof grooves 126. In an embodiment, the groove 126 on the lower surface122 of the louver 126 comprises an inverted “v” shape extending inwardlyinto the lower surface 122. Those of skill in the art will understandthat at least one groove 126 will impart a decorative appearance to thelower surface 122 of the louver 102, such as may give a viewer below thelouver installation the impression of viewing a bead-board ceiling. Inan embodiment, the groove 126 is rounded. In an embodiment, the lowersurface 122 of the louver 126 contains a ridge extending outwardly awayfrom the lower surface 122. In an embodiment, the ridge extending fromthe lower surface 122 forms a “v” shape. In an embodiment, the ridgeextending from the lower surface 122 forms a rounded shape. In anotherembodiment, the ridge extending from the lower surface 122 forms arectangular shape. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognizethat many configurations of the lower surface 122 are possible optionsto achieve various decorative and ornamental effects.

In an embodiment, the louver 102 contains at least one core 128. Theshape of the at least one core 128 is defined by the chosenconfigurations for the top surface 120 and the lower surface 122. In anembodiment, the at least one core 128 is hollow. In another embodiment,the at least one core 128 contains insulating material.

In an embodiment, the at least one core 128 contains at least onesupport member 130. In an embodiment, the at least one support member130 extends from the lower surface 122 to the top surface 120. In anembodiment, the at least one support member 130 extends from the lowersurface 122 to the top surface 120 at a 90 degree angle relative to thehorizontal plane 117 of the louver 102. In another embodiment, the atleast one support member 130 extends from the lower surface 122 to thetop surface 120 at an angle greater than 90 degrees relative to thehorizontal plane 117 of the louver 102. In an embodiment, the at leastone support member 130 extends from the lower surface 122 to the topsurface 120 at an angle less than 90 degrees relative to the horizontalplane 117 of the louver 102. In an embodiment, the at least one supportmember 130 is substantially straight. In another embodiment, the atleast one support member 130 is curved. In another embodiment, the atleast one support member 130 is angled.

In an embodiment, at least one fastener mount 124 may exist within theat least one core 128 of the louver 102. In an embodiment, the at leastone fastener mount 124 is attached to the at least one support member130. In another embodiment, the at least one fastener mount 124 isattached to the lower surface 122 of the louver 102. In anotherembodiment, the at least one fastener mount 124 is attached to the topsurface 120 of the louver 102. In an embodiment, the at least onefastener mount 124 is C-shaped. In another embodiment, the at least onefastener mount 124 is O-shaped. In an embodiment, the at least onefastener mount 124 is threaded. In an embodiment, the at least onefastener mount 124 is configured to accept a fastener.

FIG. 3 shows a pair of louvers 102A and 102B according to an embodiment.In an embodiment, the notch member 116 at the notch end 112 of a firstlouver 102A engages the sealing member 114 at the sealing end 110 of asecond louver 102B. In an embodiment, the upper end 121 of the notchmember 116 engages the upper end 113 of the sealing member 114.

In an embodiment, the gasket 118 engages the upper end 113 of thesealing member 114 in a sealing configuration. In another embodiment,the gasket 118 is attached to the upper end 113 of the sealing member114 such that the gasket 118 engages the upper end 121 of the notchmember 116 in a sealing configuration. In an embodiment, when louvers102A and 102B are arranged in a sealing configuration the lower surface122 of the first louver 102A and the lower surface 122 of the secondlouver 102B are substantially parallel. In an embodiment, when louvers102A and 102B are arranged in a sealing configuration the lower surface122 of the first louver 102A and the lower surface 122 of the secondlouver 102B form a flat plane. In another embodiment, when louvers 102Aand 102B are arranged in a sealing configuration the lower surface 122of the first louver 102A and the lower surface 122 of the second louver102B are non-planar.

In an embodiment, the louvers 102A, 102B are deemed to be in the “closedposition” when the notch member 116 at the notch end 112 of the firstlouver 102A engages the sealing member 114 at the sealing end 110 of thesecond louver 102B, regardless of whether the gasket 118 is present inthe embodiment. In an embodiment, the louvers 102A and 102B are deemedto be in an “open position” when the notch member 116 at the notch end112 of the first louver 102A does not engage the sealing member 114 atthe sealing end 110 of the second louver 102B.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an end cap 131 attached to the louver102 that contains the gasket 118 according to an embodiment. FIG. 5 is aperspective view of an end cap 131 attached to the louver 102 that doesnot contain a gasket. In an embodiment, shown in FIG. 8, the end cap 131is attached to a first end 133 of the louver 102. In another embodiment,the end cap 131 is attached to a second end 135 of the louver 102. Inanother embodiment, end caps 131 are attached to each of the first end133 and the second end 135 of the louver 102.

In an embodiment, the end cap 131 includes at least one axle nub 132. Inan embodiment, the at least one axle nub 132 is oriented in the centerof the end cap 131. In another embodiment, the end cap 131 includes atleast one pin projection 136. In an embodiment, two pin projections 136extend from the end cap 131. In an embodiment, the at least one axle nub132 and the at least one pin projection 136 extend approximately thesame length. In an embodiment, the at least one pin projection 136 andthe at least one axle nub 132 have different lengths. In an embodiment,the end cap 131 contains at least one aperture 138. In an embodiment,the at least one aperture 138 is round. In another embodiment, the atleast one aperture 138 is threaded. In another embodiment, the at leastone aperture 138 is rectangular. In an embodiment, the at least one axlenub 132 and the at least one pin projection 136 on the end cap 131 areconfigured to attach to louver operating hardware 140.

FIG. 6 shows a close-up view of a cross-section of two louvers 102A and102B in the closed position, according to an embodiment. According to anembodiment, the upper end 121 of the notch member 116 of louver 102A isengaged with the upper end 113 of the sealing member 114 of louver 102B.The engagement of the upper end 121 of the notch member 116 of louver102A and the upper end 113 of the sealing member 114 of louver 102Bsubstantially seals louvers 102A and 102B to retard liquid from flowingthrough the engagement of the upper end 121 of the notch member 116 oflouver 102A and the upper end 113 of the sealing member 114 of louver102B.

According to an embodiment, a gasket 118 is attached to the upper end121 of the notch member 116 of louver 102A. In this embodiment, thegasket 118 engages the upper end 113 of the sealing member 114 of louver102B. In another embodiment, a gasket (not shown) is attached to theupper end 113 of the sealing member 114 of a louver 102. In thisembodiment, the gasket 118 engages the upper end 121 of the notch member116 of an adjacent louver 102.

FIG. 7 shows a close-up view of a cross-section of two louvers 102A and102B in the closed position, according to an embodiment. In anembodiment, a gasket 118 is attached to the upper end 121 of the notchmember 116 of the louver 102A. In this embodiment, the upper end 113 ofthe sealing member 114 is shaped to receive the gasket 118 attached tothe upper end 121 of the notch member 116 of an adjacent louver 102.

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a louvered roof assembly 10 includinga series of louvers 102 with end caps 131 in a closed position in aframe 12, according to an embodiment. The number of louvers 102 shown inFIG. 8 is for purposes of illustration only. Those of skill in the artwill understand that louvers 102 may be of any desired length and anydesired number to cover a given space. Similarly, the frame 12 may be ofwhatever dimensions required to contain the louvers 102 of desiredlength, width, and number.

In an embodiment, the upper end 121 of the notch member 116 of eachlouver 102 is intended to engage the upper end 113 of the sealing member114 of the adjacent louver 102. In an embodiment, the end caps 131engage the frame 12 on the first ends 133 and second ends 135 of thelouvers 102. In an embodiment, louver operating hardware 140 may beplaced in the frame 12 to facilitate rotation of the louvers 102.According to an embodiment, gutters (not shown) are attached to thefirst ends 133 and second ends 135 of the louvers 102 in order to assistin draining the liquid that may be captured by the first channel 115and/or the second channel 123.

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of the louvered roof assembly 10 of FIG.8 in an open position, according to an embodiment. In the illustratedembodiment, the louvers 102 are rotated such that the louvers 102 arenot engaged with the other louvers 102 in the louvered roof assembly 10.In an embodiment, the louvers 102 are rotatable from 0 degrees to 180degrees. In an embodiment, the louvers 102 are rotatable from 0 degreesto 130 degrees. In an embodiment, the louvers 102 are rotatable from 0degrees to 90 degrees.

In an embodiment, a user of the louvered roof assembly 10 can avoiddumping of liquid present on one or more of the first channel 115, thesecond channel 123, and the top surface 120, below the louvered roofassembly 10 when the louvers 102 are moved between a closed position andan open position because the first channel 115 and/or the second channel123 prevents passage of liquid from the top surface 120 of the louver102 to or beyond the lower surface 122 of the louver 102. In theillustrated embodiment, louver operating hardware 140 is placed in theframe 12 to facilitate rotation of the louvers 102.

In an embodiment, the engagement of the notch member 116 of a louver 102with the sealing member 114 of an adjacent louver 102 when the louvers102 are in a closed position creates a sealing arrangement that retardsthe passage of liquid between the louvers 102. In this closed positionembodiment, liquid may travel from the top surface 120 of the louver 102into the first channel 115 at the sealing end 110 of the louver 102 andinto the second channel 123 at the notch end 112 of the louver 102.

According to an embodiment in the open position, liquid, sunlight,and/or wind may pass between adjacent louvers 102 to a space (not shown)below the louvers 102. In this open position embodiment, liquid that ispresent on or that intersects with the top surface 120 of the louver 102will flow into the first channel 115 or the second channel 123,depending on the orientation of the louver 102. In an embodiment, atleast one gutter (not shown) is placed at the first end 133 and/or thesecond end 135 of the louvers 102 to further control the flow of liquidaway from the louvers 102.

In an embodiment, the at least one axle nub 132 and the at least one pinprojection 136 are configured to attach to louver operating hardware140. In this embodiment, the louver 102 may be rotated about a centralaxis, which central axis is defined by the central axis of the at leastone axle nub 132, up to 180 degrees between a closed, or sealed,position and an open, or unsealed, position. In an embodiment, thelouver 102 may be rotated about a central axis defined by the centralaxis of the at least one axle nub 132 up to 130 degrees between aclosed, or sealed, position and an open, or unsealed, position. In anembodiment, the louver 102 may be rotated about a central axis definedby the central axis of the at least one axle nub 132 up to 90 degreesbetween a closed, or sealed, position and an open, or unsealed,position. In an embodiment, louver operating hardware 140 may includemanually functioning hardware such as a rod or handle, or mechanicallyoperated hardware, such as a system operated by a motor, or any otherhardware that a skilled artisan would understand.

In an embodiment, the at least one aperture 138 facilitates attachmentof the frame 12 to the louver 102. In an embodiment, the at least oneaperture 138 is configured such that at least one fastener (not shown)extended through the at least one aperture 138 engages the at least onefastener mount 124. In an embodiment, the end cap 131 providesstructural support for the louver 102. In this embodiment, those ofskill in the art will recognize that the at least one fastener extendedthrough the at least one aperture 138 may be, by way of example and notof limitation, a screw, a rivet, a pin, or any fastener type suitable tosecure the louver 102 to the frame 12.

These and various other aspects and features of the invention aredescribed with the intent to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Thisinvention has been described herein with detail in order to comply withthe patent statutes and to provide those skilled in the art withinformation needed to apply the novel principles and to construct anduse such specialized components as are required. It is to be understood,however, that the invention can be carried out by specifically differentconstructions, and that various modifications, both as to theconstruction and operating procedures, can be accomplished withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention. Further, in the appendedclaims, the transitional terms comprising and including are used in theopen ended sense in that elements in addition to those enumerated mayalso be present. Other examples will be apparent to those of skill inthe art upon reviewing this document.

1. A louvered roofing system, comprising: at least one louver, said atleast one louver comprising: a notched end comprising a notch member; asealing end comprising a sealing member; an upper surface extendingbetween the notched end and the sealing end; a lower surface extendingbetween the notched end and the sealing end; wherein the notch member ofthe at least one louver is configured to releasably engage the sealingmember of an adjacent louver in a sealing arrangement; and wherein thesealing member is disposed at an acute angle relative to the lowersurface.
 2. The louvered roofing system of claim 1 wherein the notchmember of said at least one louver comprises a J shape.
 3. The louveredroofing system of claim 1 further comprising a gasket attached to one ormore of: the notch member and the sealing member.
 4. The louveredroofing system of claim 1 wherein the upper surface of said at least onelouver is raised in its center so as to form a first channel between thenotch member and the upper surface and a second channel between thesealing member and the upper surface.
 5. (canceled)
 6. The louveredroofing system of claim 1 wherein said at least one louver furthercomprises at least one end cap adjacent to at least one of the uppersurface and the lower surface, wherein the at least one end cap isconfigured to attach to louver operating hardware.
 7. The louveredroofing system of claim 6 wherein said at least one end cap comprises atleast one axle nub.
 8. The louvered roofing system of claim 6 whereinsaid at least one end cap comprises at least one axle nub, wherein theat least one louver is rotatable about a central axis defined by thecentral axis of the at least one axle nub up to 180 degrees between aclosed position and an open position.
 9. The louvered roofing system ofclaim 6 wherein said at least one end cap comprises at least one axlenub, wherein the at least one louver is rotatable about a central axisdefined by the central axis of the at least one axle nub up to 130degrees between a closed position and an open position.
 10. The louveredroofing system of claim 6 wherein said at least one end cap comprises atleast one axle nub, wherein the at least one louver is rotatable about acentral axis defined by the central axis of the at least one axle nub upto 90 degrees between a closed position and an open position.
 11. Thelouvered roofing system of claim 1 wherein at least a portion of theupper surface is spaced apart from at least a portion of the lowersurface.
 12. The louvered roofing system of claim 1 further comprising aframe, wherein said at least one louver is removably attached to theframe such that the at least one louver may move between an openposition and a closed position.
 13. (canceled)
 14. (canceled) 15.(canceled)
 16. The louvered roofing system of claim 3 wherein thesealing member is configured to accept the gasket.
 17. A louveredroofing system, comprising: at least one louver, said at least onelouver comprising: a notched end comprising a notch member; a sealingend comprising a sealing member; an upper surface extending between thenotched end and the sealing end; a lower surface extending between thenotched end and the sealing end; wherein the notch member of at leastone louver is configured to releasably engage the sealing member of anadjacent louver in a sealing arrangement; and wherein the sealing membercomprises a rounded upper end.
 18. The louvered roofing system of claim17 wherein the notch member of said at least one louver comprises a Jshape.
 19. The louvered roofing system of claim 17 further comprising agasket attached to one or more of: the notch member and the sealingmember.
 20. The louvered roofing system of claim 17 wherein the uppersurface of said at least one louver is raised in its center so as toform a first channel between the notch member and the upper surface anda second channel between the sealing member and the upper surface. 21.The louvered roofing system of claim 17 wherein said at least one louverfurther comprises at least one end cap adjacent to at least one of theupper surface and the lower surface, wherein the at least one end cap isconfigured to attach to louver operating hardware.
 22. The louveredroofing system of claim 21 wherein said at least one end cap comprisesat least one axle nub.
 23. The louvered roofing system of claim 21wherein said at least one end cap comprises at least one axle nub,wherein the at least one louver is rotatable about a central axisdefined by the central axis of the at least one axle nub up to 180degrees between a closed position and an open position.
 24. The louveredroofing system of claim 21 wherein said at least one end cap comprisesat least one axle nub, wherein the at least one louver is rotatableabout a central axis defined by the central axis of the at least oneaxle nub up to 130 degrees between a closed position and an openposition.